Eskbank House Museum and Lithgow City Council are collaborating with Kim Bagot-Hillier, an artist, printmaker and storyteller, to celebrate the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival in 2026 with the theme ‘Çhange’.
‘Each year, the National Trust works in partnership with event organisers from all across New South Wales to offer unmatched access to hundreds of free and ticketed events designed for the young and young at heart.’ https://australianheritagefestival.org.au/events/nsw
Join us for Kim Bagot-Hilliers storytelling session – Gum Nuts, Rose Beds and Garden Plots – How did gardeners of a bygone era know what to plant in their gardens? Where did the plants come from? And how did gardens change over time? Come as the door the garden shed is opened, we explore the history of gardens through the art and print and the influence that is seen through the gardens of today.
I am a passionate creative, artist, printmaker based in Bathurst NSW. I have been practicing for 18 years with the past 12 year I have embracing heritage aspects of artistic practice on printmaking and illustration as well as the storytelling of historical events, and people. As an artist my practice gives me the opportunity to become a storyteller, communicator, and a teacher through the worlds of plants and now history and heritage. My practice has evolved through my interests in Botany, and scientific interpretation of plants to storytelling of heritage and history through plants and flowers. (Kim Bagot-Hillier)
The Lithgow City Council’s Community Heritage Garden is managed and cared for by an enthusiastic team of volunteers. As a support to the team the designer of the garden, arborist and horticulturalist, Jessica Lawn returns for seasonal visits to work with the volunteers and deliver a community session on a gardening topic.
This session deals with all things fruit trees so if you have fruit trees in your home garden and want some tips on their care please join us at the museum on 26 February 2026 at 11am for discussions and demonstration on their care. The session will be followed by a cuppa and biscuit with the volunteers and staff of the museum.
Do you have a precious family collection? Is it stored in the back of a cupboard or in a storage box? Do you want to learn how to protect it for the future generations? Join us at the museum for a session with Tegan Anthes.
This session will introduce the participants to simple strategies to preserve their family’s memorabilia, from christening gowns to family photos. The session will include – How to prevent damage. How to protect precious family objects. And what to do when something happens.
Tegan Anthes is a Professional Conservator of AICCM and has been working as a conservator for over 25 years. Her expertise is in paper, photographic and preventive conservation. Tegan has developed and facilitated workshops for the heritage museum sector for over 25 years.
This is a free event funded by NSW Department of Communities and Justice. The event will be followed by light refreshments
Are you the keeper of the family photographs and documents? With current technology every member of the family can have a copy!
This session will introduce the participants to creating digital copies of historical photographs and documents to share with family and friends. This session will explore why digitisation is important and how to start, what to consider and where to get more advice. Simple techniques and basic equipment will be explained along with storage and access.
Tegan Anthes is a Professional Conservator of AICCM and has been working as a conservator for over 25 years. Her expertise is in paper, photographic and preventive conservation. Tegan has developed and facilitated workshops for the heritage museum sector for over 25 years.
This is a free event funded by NSW Department of Communities and Justice. The event will be followed by light refreshments
“The benefit of journaling is not limited to what you produce but rather found in your experience and how you think along the way.” (John Muir Laws, 2016)
Journaling is a process that facilitates and deepens connections to everyday objects, events, and places through a combination of writing and art.
In this session, we will consider historical objects at Eskbank House Museum and reflect on both their stories and our own. No previous writing, artistic or historical skills are necessary. All you need is curiosity.
Tracie McMahon is a published writer and teacher, whose short stories have been shortlisted in local and national writing competitions. She is currently working on taking her historical fiction manuscript to publication, in between exercising her creative muscles with short stories and art. Her writing can be found online at www.themovingpen.com.au and https://lithgowlocalnews.com/
All materials and morning tea supplied.
This is a free event funded by NSW Department of Communities and Justice. The event will be followed by light refreshments
Have you ever wanted to tell your story and not been quite sure how to go about it ?
We all have stories we would like to tell and this free session will give you the inspiration and confidence you need to begin.
Louise Dean is a local and experienced Genealogy Researcher and everything you will need to get started writing your story will be provided on the day.
You just need to bring your memories and sense of humour ( and don’t forget your glasses )
All materials and morning tea supplied.
This is a free event funded by NSW Department of Communities and Justice. The event will be followed by light refreshments
